Small Wars Journal

4th generation warfare

Why America Remains a 2nd-Generation Military SWJED Mon, 07/01/2019 - 2:37pm
In this article, we will examine each of the 4 generations from a cultural standpoint. Focusing purely on warfare only scratches the surface but understanding culture as the basis of the 4 generations explains why America seems to be incapable of waging 3rd- or 4th-Generation warfare. Any system can use the same tactics, so the actual difference between generations is found the soul of the nation. Knowing the soul of each generation illustrates the real risks of imitating these systems, and why we may inevitably become the monster we wish to destroy.

Electronic Warfare for the Fourth Generation Practitioner

Sat, 03/23/2019 - 8:41am
This paper explores the application and effects of locally-produced electronic warfare systems in the environment of the Fourth Generation (4GW) ‘come-as-you-are’ war in the context of a non-state actor using such systems to produce military effects for mission support and strategic influence, in order develop and facilitate competition as a peer/near-peer competitor against a state or other incumbent actor.

About the Author(s)

Planning for Electronic Warfare - The Communication Problem SWJED Wed, 01/17/2018 - 12:13am

The purpose of this essay is to generate discussion regarding a new way to incorporate near-peer Electronic Warfare threats into the operations planning process.